Sourcing polyvinyl alcohol yarn from China
Polyvinyl alcohol filament yarn from China carries 0% UK duty across the relevant heading 5402 lines. Construction determines the code: the dedicated non-textured single-yarn line covers twist not exceeding 50 turns per metre. Cambridge China Bridge sources polyvinyl alcohol filament yarn.
Duty and yarn construction
Heading 5402 covers synthetic filament yarn other than sewing thread, not put up for retail sale. Non-textured polyvinyl alcohol single yarn, untwisted or with twist not exceeding 50 turns per metre, has the dedicated code 5402 49 00 50. Textured, more highly twisted single, and folded or cabled versions need their corresponding construction lines.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, the relevant lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Import VAT is separate from customs duty.
Confirm polymer identity, filament construction, twist and packing before choosing a commodity code. Compare the wider synthetic filament yarn guide for other polymers and constructions.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-textured polyvinyl alcohol single yarn, twist not exceeding 50 turns per metre | 5402 49 00 50 | 0% | None |
| Other textured yarn, including polyvinyl alcohol where applicable | 5402 39 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other single yarn, including polyvinyl alcohol, twist exceeding 50 turns per metre | 5402 59 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other folded or cabled yarn, including polyvinyl alcohol where applicable | 5402 69 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the grade and water response
Specify polyvinyl alcohol explicitly rather than relying on a supplier's abbreviation. Record whether the yarn is intended to dissolve during processing or remain in the finished product. Agree a water-response trial using your actual process temperature, exposure time, agitation and drying conditions; retain an approved sample.
Specify linear density, filament count, twist direction and level, tenacity, elongation, shrinkage, finish and package weight. For a dissolving grade, agree how to assess residual strands and deposits after treatment. For a retained yarn, test strength and dimensional behaviour after the intended wet process.
For textile products sold in Great Britain, government guidance says the label must show fibre content. REACH restrictions can limit, ban or set conditions on substances placed on the market or used. Ask the supplier to identify dyes and finishes so applicable restrictions can be checked.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 tonnes of non-textured polyvinyl alcohol filament yarn; illustrative FOB value and freight under 5402 49 00 50, invoiced at £29,000 free on board, with £2,600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £31,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £31,600, so it is £6,320. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity and lots: match the polymer declaration, grade, batch labels and test report to the shipped packages; keep lots separate.
Yarn performance: measure linear density, tenacity and elongation on samples from different cartons; compare twist and broken filaments with the approved sample.
Water response: repeat the agreed wet-process trial on shipment samples; inspect for undissolved strands, residue, shrinkage and changes in strength.
Packages: check net yarn weight, winding, damaged tubes, moisture and contamination; trial unwinding on the intended equipment before bulk use.
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What goes wrong
A supplier's description of water-soluble yarn does not establish how it will behave in your process. A mismatched grade can leave strands or deposits where removal was intended. Approving only a dry sample leaves this unresolved; approve the processed sample as well.
Mixed batches, broken filaments and uneven winding can cause inconsistent processing or machine stops. Keep the batch identity through receiving and production, retain shipment samples, and isolate packages that fail the agreed trials.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on polyvinyl alcohol filament yarn from China?
The relevant heading 5402 lines carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff data, read on 1 October 2026. No anti-dumping or countervailing measures are listed. Import VAT is separate.
Which code covers non-textured polyvinyl alcohol filament yarn?
5402 49 00 50 covers non-textured single yarn, untwisted or with twist not exceeding 50 turns per metre. Confirm that the actual construction matches before declaring it.
How do I check a water-soluble yarn before ordering?
Run the sample through your intended wet process. Agree temperature, exposure time and agitation, then assess remaining strands and deposits. Repeat the trial on shipment samples.
What should the factory's yarn specification include?
Polymer and grade, linear density, filament count, twist, tenacity, elongation, shrinkage, finish, package weight and batch identity, plus the agreed water-response test.